6 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services Urinary incontinence is one of those health problems that happens mostly to women. The simple definition of urinary incontinence is the leaking of urine. It might happen when you cough or lift something heavy. Or it might happen when you get the urge to urinate but can’t make it to the bathroom in time. It can be difficult to admit it’s a problem or to talk about. But it’s important to let your obstetrician/ gynecologist (OB/GYN) know if it’s happening to you. Urinary incontinence can be treated. First, though, you have to ask for help. Different types of incontinence According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women can experience three types of urinary incontinence: Stress urinary incontinence. This can happen when physical pressure is put on your bladder, such as when you sneeze or exercise. Urgency urinary incontinence. This can happen when you feel a strong need to urinate and you leak urine on the way to the bathroom. Mixed incontinence. This is when you have both types of incontinence. Why do women have urinary incontinence more often than men? It may be because one of the causes of incontinence is urinary tract infections, which occur more frequently in women. Or it may be because incontinence can be Get the help you need. If you’re dealing with urinary incontinence, we can help. Take back control of your bladder caused by a weakening of a woman’s pelvic floor muscles. Childbirth and aging are two common reasons. Long-term constipation—also more common in older women—can be a factor too. You don’t have to live with leaks This can’t be stressed enough: It’s important to speak to your provider if you are experiencing urinary incontinence. Effective treatments are available. Your OB/GYN may talk with you about lifestyle changes that can help. Losing weight (if you’re overweight) is one of them. Avoiding alcohol and limiting caffeine and spicy foods that can irritate your bladder also may help. In addition, your OB/GYN might teach you how to do Kegel exercises. These are exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Bladder training also can help. Other potential treatments include: Medications. Several medications are available to treat urgency incontinence. Surgery. Synthetic slings can be inserted to provide support for your urethra (the tube you urinate through). Another type of surgery involves stitching the bladder neck to nearby supporting structures to lift up the urethra and hold it in place. Urinary incontinence is more than a nusiance. It can lead to rashes, sores, skin infections and urinary tract infections. And fear of it happening can lead to social isolation. Talk to your OB/GYN about your questions and concerns to get the help you need. Additional source: American Academy of Family Physicians “Bladder leakage does not have to be a normal part of life,” says Lynnea Stines, DO, OB/GYN at Faith Regional. “Several treatment options are available with or without surgery.”
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